The city's action was taken after city officials received reports of misuse and abuse by contractors and non-residents at the facility near the Platte City Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Pursuant to the ordinance, the yard waste facility is available to Platte City residents seven days a week between March 1 and Nov. 30 of each year.

During the Platte City Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman Ron Stone pointed out the ordinance does not set forth specific hours of operation.

D.J. Gehrt, city administrator said the public works department would be in the best position to determine the hours of operation at the facility.
Gehrt suggested the hours may slightly change over the nine month period to best accommodate citizens’ availability to use the facility.

Contractors and non-residents are prohibited from using the facility. The ordinance also states that residents can only use the site to dispose of grass clippings; leaves; brush from tress, flowers and shrubs; and paper bags containing those items.

Substances in plastic bags must be emptied out, since plastic including plastic bags will not be allowed. Other materials that are prohibited include tires, metals, furniture, appliances, garbage, and construction fragments.

The city plans on ensuring the established rules are followed. The gate will be staffed to make sure citizens are aware of the site’s formal rules and set hours of operation.

City officials estimated that it will cost the city $4,100 a year to man the site.

Also on Tuesday, Roberts’ Auto Plaza was the recipient of the 2012 business of the year. Mayor Frank Offutt said for nearly two decades “businesses have been recommended from all spectrums of our economic society.”

The board's written comments to the mayor indicate this year's award was granted to Robert's Auto Plaza in part for their million dollar investment in the community through their significant business expansion, as well as their participation in the Platte County R-3 character building program, and sponsoring of Platte City Youth Sports including both baseball and cheerleading.

Offutt said Roberts’ Auto Plaza “is more than justified to being recognized by the city.”